Sabbath

 If you love me,” Jesus told his disciples, “keep my commands.”¹ The connection is inescapable: obeying God’s Word is one of the most important ways we love God.

But let’s face it: the Bible is filled with a dizzying array of directives. The Mosaic Law alone contains 613 commands.²How are Christians today to make sense of them all? Which Old Testament instructions are we still called to obey—and how?

If any Old Testament laws remain in force, many Christians reason, surely the Ten Commandments do. After all, they encapsulate the moral heart of the Hebrew Scriptures. But what about the fourth—and longest—commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy?

What is the Sabbath? How does a Christian “keep the Sabbath” today?

Sabbath Beginnings

In Exodus 20 we read:

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.³

Just as God rested after his six-day “workweek” of creating the world, so his people must rest after their workweeks. At its core, this command was designed to remind the Israelites on a weekly basis that they were not God. Resting on the seventh day was a way of publicly recognizing God’s all-sufficient power.

By refraining from attempts to control their own lives, the Israelites were admitting their own weakness and acknowledging their dependence on God. “God’s rest symbolizes his control over the cosmos,” one theologian explains, “which his people recognize whenever they yield to him the day they could have used to provide for themselves.”⁴

Throughout the rest of the Old Testament, keeping the Sabbath remained an integral mark of Israel’s faithfulness to God—or lack thereof. By the time we reach Jesus’ day, however, many Jews were living under an almost unbearably complex collection of Sabbath regulations.⁵

It’s obvious that much has happened in the 3,500 years since God first delivered this Sabbath directive. Most significantly, according to Christian belief, he has come to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. While on earth, he lived a perfect life, died a redemptive death, and rose again to launch a new age. Needless to say, the situation has changed drastically since the Israelites huddled around Mount Sinai, the memory of their enslavement in Egypt still lingering in their minds, while Moses received the Ten Commandments.

A Brand-New Era

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them,” Jesus declared to the Israelites.⁶

Given this remarkable claim, it isn’t surprising that Jesus goes on to present himself as the ultimate rest-giver:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. . . . For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”⁷

By claiming to be Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus claims his divine authoritative right and implies that the Law’s built-in anticipation apparatus has been finally dismantled.⁸ The scaffolding of the Law can be removed, for the substance has arrived. The Sabbath command, then, doesn’t need abolishment but reinterpretation. As theologian Thomas Schreiner notes, it seems that Jesus deliberately healed people on the Sabbath (then forbidden by Law) in order to “demonstrate his superiority” and “hint that [the Sabbath] is not in force forever.”⁹

Three Crucial Bible Passages

Though the Sabbath is discussed elsewhere within the Bible, the following three passages play a crucial role in the Christian understanding of the concept.

1. Colossians 2

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes, “Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”¹⁰

This is a remarkable statement. We’re explicitly told that the Sabbath belonged to the era of shadows—essentially an era that gave only a glimpse of what has since given way to glorious fulfillment. In fact, the term Paul uses for “shadow” (skia) is the same one the author of Hebrews uses for explaining that Old Testament sacrifices are outmoded: “The law is only a shadow [skia] of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.”¹¹

Both the Sabbath and sacrifices were ultimately skia designed to anticipate the Messiah—the anointed one of God who would come to save the world.

2. Romans 14

Paul also exhorts the Christians in Rome not to quarrel about “disputable matters.”¹² He writes, “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”¹³

Again, this is a breathtaking thing for Paul to say. Imagine how it would have sounded to a recently converted Jew who had kept the fourth commandment every week of his entire life. Any mention of a “sacred day” would have immediately triggered thoughts of the Sabbath.

Schreiner observes, “[Paul] almost certainly thinks of the Sabbath here, but he reckons it to be a matter of inconsequence. Paul’s attitude of indifference relative to the Sabbath indicates that it is no longer normative. A new era has dawned in which the Mosaic covenant has passed away.¹⁴

Imagine walking into a church and finding a table with some brochures about a fundraising drive for a new building. Next to the brochures sits a detailed miniature model of the future property. That would make sense. But imagine returning to the church—now meeting at the new location—two years later and finding that same miniature model in the lobby. It would be strange, right? The structure served its purpose; why keep displaying it? It is only a shadow of what has since come to fruition.

The Old Testament law regarding the Sabbath is a bit like that miniature model. Fulfillment has come, Paul is saying, and his name is Jesus. For more information on that concept, let’s look at the next passage.

3. Hebrews 3–4

In chapters 3 and 4 of the book of Hebrews, we read of the everlasting rest Jesus has won for those united to him by faith. The author concludes his argument: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following [the Israelite wilderness generation’s] example of disobedience.”¹⁵

The weekly Sabbath had always been pointing beyond itself to an eternal Sabbath. So how do God’s people now—in the age of fulfillment—obey the fourth commandment? We do so ultimately by resting in the finished work of Jesus.

Relevance for Today

Many Christians assume they are observing the Sabbath whenever they attend church and enjoy a restful Sunday. While belonging to a church is important for a believer, the Sabbath-to-church application is not quite right.¹⁶

Sunday is not the “Christian Sabbath” but the Lord’s Day¹⁷ Christians gather for worship on the first day of the week because it is the day that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead.¹⁸

Even though we are no longer under the Sabbath law like Old Testament believers, I do believe it’s vital for believers to honor the Sabbath principle God has embedded in his creation—and even modeled himself—from the start.¹⁹ This pattern of regular rest ought to be woven into the rhythm of our lives. Among other things, it’s a declaration to others and a reminder to ourselves that we are small. We are frail. We are dependent. We are not God. No wonder a persistent failure to rest usually reveals our pride and leads to burnout.

The command to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” carries rich significance across the unfolding storyline of Scripture. While it is certainly wise to pursue periods of deliberate rest in God, the command itself no longer binds believers because the new covenant has arrived in Jesus. The ultimate way we “observe the Sabbath” today, then, is by embracing its fulfillment—the One who offers eternal rest to anyone who trusts in him.

In Genesis 2, God created the first Sabbath day:

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3 ESV)

From these verses, God gives us two important lessons about the Sabbath.

1. The Sabbath is a holy day.

Holy, means to be set apart as sacred. The Sabbath is different from all other days; on it we are to set aside our normal routine and dedicate our time to God.

2. The Sabbath is a day for enjoying God’s presence.

Have you ever wondered why God rested on the seventh day? The all mighty God did not in need rest, He simply desired time to sit and enjoy his creation. I imagine God walking with Adam on that first Sabbath; “Look at this! Oh and this! I made it all for you! Come, enjoy it with me.”

From this first Sabbath, one thing becomes abundantly clear; God created the Sabbath for our good. Jesus confirms this when he tells the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27 ESV).

God created us. He knows our soul needs the rest, refreshment, and fulfillment, which only comes from spending time in His presence. Therefore, the Sabbath is a gift from God. When we choose to accept His gift, we not only honor God, but submit to Him as our creator who knows what is best for us.

If taking a Sabbath day is new to you, here are some practical ideas for keeping the Sabbath holy.

10 Ways to Keep the Sabbath Holy

1. Do not work.

If a work event comes up on the Sabbath, you decline. If you don’t get all your work done before the Sabbath, you plan for an early morning the next day. When thoughts about work pop into your head, promise yourself you will deal with it tomorrow (if you need to, write a quick note so you won’t forget about it). By not working on the Sabbath, you are saying, “God is more important than my job.”

2. No TV.

Remember the Sabbath is about being with God. I don’t know about you, but I don’t often experience God’s presence while watching Television.

3. No social media.

Similar to TV, social media is a distraction from God. Cutting out these types of distractions will go a long way in keeping your Sabbath day holy.

4. Only listen to Christian music.

Setting your music to Christian radio is like setting the mood for the day. It draws you into God’s presence and keeps you focused on His goodness.

5. Spend extra time reading your Bible and praying.

One of the best ways to build a relationship with God is through direct communication with Him. Be intentional about seeking more time to talk with and learn from God.

6. Have a family Bible study time.

Read a devotional or passage of scripture as a family. Spend time discussing what you read and then pray for each other.

7. No house work.

Whether it’s cleaning the bathrooms, doing laundry, or mowing the lawn, house work never ends! So do yourself a favor and ignore it one day a week. (If you need some convincing, just remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42; chose what is better!)

8. Spend time outside enjoying God’s creation.

God created this whole world for our benefit! This is why many people experience God more intimately while in nature. So take a walk, play in the park, or climb a mountain and ask God to reveal himself to you through His creation.

9. Have family worship time.

Gather the family together and get creative. Worship God through, song, dance, art, or storytelling.

10. Invite friends over for fellowship.

A Sabbath day does not need to be a day of isolation. Get together with your brothers and sisters in Christ and spend time encouraging each other in the Lord.

Remember, these are just ideas for how to observe the Sabbath, to help get you started, and you do not need to implement them all. I recommend prayerfully considering how God would like you to spend your Sabbath day, and follow His guidance above all else.

Even though I spent the last year taking a Sabbath rest day, I am far from perfect in this discipline. Some weeks still get away from us and Sunday fills with everything we didn’t get to sooner. Therefore, I leave you with these words of wisdom about how to keep the Sabbath according to the Bible, from Matthew Henry:

“The Sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The Sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the Sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be 

 To remind us of our limitations. God is utterly self-sufficient, with no needs whatsoever, least of all the need for food, water, or rest. I am not self-sufficient in the slightest, needing food, water, and rest. I need to press pause on my life and redirect my gaze upward and remember that He is God and I am not. Observing a Sabbath reminds me that I am limited, which is a very good thing because it compels me to worship my God who is limitless.

2.)To put us in our place. God is supremely sovereign, and apart from Him, nothing in existence would ever see the light of day. He is utterly essential to everything that is and was and is to come. I am utterly non-essential by comparison. Observing a Sabbath reminds me that He is the center of THE universe, and He belongs at the center of MY universe.

What Are We Supposed to Do on the Sabbath Day?

One thing I don’t want to do is advocate legalism about what Christians are or are not allowed to do on the Sabbath. While the principles are universal, the specifics I’m sharing with you are only for you to consider whether there may be parts of it that apply to your situation. 

But maybe your situation is very different from mine. It could be that you need to observe Sabbath differently, whether that be honoring it on a different day or in a different manner. The way you honor the Sabbath is between you and God, but here are a couple of helpful principles from Matthew 12:

1.)Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.

2.)It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

The second one is especially meaningful for me as someone who is very active in my local church. It’s not unusual for me to serve in the nursery, play in the orchestra, and teach the kids’ choir all on the same Sunday.

Which brings me to my next question.

How Should We Keep the Sabbath If We’re Involved in Ministry? 

This is a question that has plagued me for years, and I’ve finally sensed the Lord leading me toward some guidelines I am establishing for myself based on these questions.

1)Is my ministry work, or is it worship? If it’s worship, it’s part of Sabbath.

Now I think ministry is often both work and worship, and this is especially true for church leadership and staff. It’s not wrong for ministry to be work, but this means you would benefit from having a Sabbath that is separate from a day of ministry.

I’m not on church staff, so as a layperson involved in ministry on a volunteer basis, I believe my service in the church should lean more toward worship than work, and if that’s the reality of my ministry, it is still part of a holy Sabbath. 

2)Is my ministry prideful and self-driven, or humble and others-driven? If it’s humble and others-driven, it’s part of Sabbath.

It’s pretty simple, really. Ministry should always be about God first, and then others. It shouldn’t be about me at all. Since that’s what Sabbath is about, too, ministry on the Sabbath doesn’t have to be an oxymoron.

3)Does my ministry compel me toward self-sufficiency, or thrust me to God for His provision? If it thrusts me to God for His provision, it’s part of Sabbath. 

This is a big one for me. If Sabbath is intended to remind us of our utter dependence on God (and it is), then any act of service I perform that is divorced from His provision is also divorced from His gospel and divorced from Sabbath. Ministry should thrust me to God for His provision every single day, not only on the Sabbath. And ministry conducted out of His provision and not my own can be Sabbath ministry.

Practical Changes to Honor the Sabbath

Here are some practical changes I’m making to better honor the Sabbath in my own life:

• Start the Sabbath properly by preparing my heart for it the night before.
• Maintain a posture of worship, humility, love, and trust in ministry.
• Cast off a mindset of striving, pride, and self-sufficiency in ministry.
• Put aside non-essential tasks.

I know God still has so much to teach me about the Sabbath, but I’m thankful for these fresh insights He has granted, and for the way I can trust Him to keep leading me like the patient Shepherd He is. He is Lord of the Sabbath after all, and He’s never unwilling for the earnestly seeking heart to draw nearer.

May you and I and all of His people honor the Sabbath, and honor the Lord of the Sabbath always.